Proactive disclosure

Proactive disclosure is the act of releasing information before it is requested. In Canada, this refers to an environment where information is released routinely through electronic means with the exception of information that the government is required to protect due to privacy risks. This could refer to information regarding citizens' social insurance numbers or military operations.

Proactive disclosure differs from reactive disclosure, as reactive disclosure occurs when a request is made, while proactive disclosure occurs without the filing of the request. Proactive disclosure has also been referred to as stealing thunder, active disclosure in the United States and suo moto disclosure in Latin which means upon its own initiative.

The earliest way information was disclosed was seen in ancient Greece through criers or bellmen. Criers were hired in medieval times to walk the streets and call for attention, then read out important news such as royal proclamations or local bylaws. They would also play a role in passing the information across villages. This role changed when newspapers, radios, television and the internet became innovative parts of society.

Within the government, proactive disclosure is meant to inform citizens of information that allows them to hold the government accountable. Information that puts private or public good in harm’s way is not disclosed. This term is used frequently when discussing open government, meaning information is easily available to the public and at a regular basis due to the benefit of technology on disseminating information.

Many consider proactive disclosure and the ability to have access to information as a way to watch over those in power within society. This is especially true for governments who collect a wide range of information, which citizens often use to hold the government accountable.

Transparency and proactive disclosure are often associated in terms of creating open government.

In the case of Canada, the government has specific measures under the Treasury Board of Canada that they proactively disclose data in order to highlight transparency and allow for the board to oversee public resources in the federal government.

However, all information released under proactive disclosure must be held under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act, with any information that is normally withheld under those acts not being disclosed on the website.

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Wikipedia